This bill amends Section 553.908 of the Florida Statutes, which pertains to building inspections and energy conservation standards. It updates the Florida Building Code by increasing the maximum tested air leakage measure for buildings and dwelling units in Climate Zones 1 and 2 from 5 air changes per hour to 7 air changes per hour, effective December 31, 2025. The bill also specifies that mandatory blower door testing will not apply to buildings or dwelling units that are fully encapsulated with air-impermeable insulation. Additionally, it clarifies that certain sections of the Florida Building Code regarding mechanical ventilation will not require mandatory ventilation unless the air infiltration rate is less than 3 air changes per hour.

The bill makes several technical changes, including updating the edition of the Florida Building Code referenced from the 5th Edition (2014) to the 8th Edition (2023). It also modifies the effective dates for certain provisions, moving the implementation of the updated air leakage measure and blower door testing requirements to December 31, 2025, and removing previous dates that were set for July 1, 2016, and July 1, 2017. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1082 Filed: 553.908